“Uncover the Mystery Behind This Delicious Treat!
Whether you’re finishing off a savory meal or in need of a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, ice cream is a delightful indulgence that we can all appreciate. Before you grab that store-bought tub of Ben & Jerry’s, consider that making ice cream at home is simpler than you might imagine.
One of the main advantages of creating your own ice cream is the ability to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients. By replacing traditional ice cream components with healthier alternatives, you can craft a version of this beloved frozen dessert that is better for you.
The traditional recipe for ice cream typically includes a mixture of milk, heavy cream, sugar, and sometimes egg yolks. Commercially produced ice cream may also contain various food colorings and additives listed on the nutritional label. For instance, xanthan gum is commonly used as an emulsifier to enhance the texture of the ice cream, explains Mallory Brown, a registered dietitian and the owner of the food blog mallorythedietitian.com. After blending the ingredients together, the mixture is churned at high speed until the ice cream reaches the desired consistency – smooth and creamy.
While indulging in a serving of ice cream each day is possible, it’s essential to consider whether it aligns with a balanced diet. According to Brown, assessing your dietary choices within the context of a healthy eating pattern is key. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend limiting added sugar intake to no more than 10% of total daily calories for individuals over the age of 2. For a 2,000-calorie daily diet, this translates to capping added sugar consumption at 200 calories (approximately 12 teaspoons of added sugar) per the CDC’s guidelines. For instance, a 2/3 cup serving of vanilla ice cream from Häagen-Dazs contains 18.1 grams of added sugar, representing 36% of the recommended daily value according to the USDA’s Food Data Central.
If you choose to reserve room for dessert, consider reducing sugar intake from other sources throughout the day. Brown also recommends incorporating fruits and nuts as toppings for your ice cream to enhance its nutritional value and promote satiety.
For a healthier homemade alternative, try Brown’s no-churn strawberry cottage cheese ice cream recipe. This recipe, requiring only five ingredients, offers a more nutritious option compared to traditional ice cream. Instead of heavy cream, cottage cheese forms the base of this “ice cream,” providing lower saturated fat content along with higher protein, calcium, and vitamin D. The recipe swaps processed sugar for honey and includes antioxidant-rich strawberries for natural sweetness.
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (serves 3)Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk cottage cheese
– 1 cup strawberries
– 12 graham crackers
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth
The ice cream is now prepared and all set to be served! This article was first published on USA TODAY: How to make ice cream, and is it possible to enjoy it daily?
